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DEKALB® Gen​uity® DroughtGard® Hybrids

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At DEKALB® we understand that one of your biggest concerns as a farmer is the one factor we have the least control over: weather. While we can’t control the weather, with DEKALB® Genuity® DroughtGard® Hybrids we’re able to help maximize yield potential in favorable conditions while managing drought-associated risks.

Through the robust technology pipeline, the DEKALB brand's research and development teams have delivered innovations that improve yields while using fewer inputs, including water. With the DroughtGard Hybrids, this drought-tolerant biotech trait can increase Hydroefficiency™ under drought stress, which can result in increased kernel number and reduced frequency of barren plants. All of this provides the opportunity to reduce potential yield loss in certain drought conditions as seen in on-farm trials throughout the region.

WHEN DROUGHT STRIKES, OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP

To find the strongest roots, you have to dig deep. Check out the 2014 root dig video to see why DEKALB plants offer superior root depth and maximize yield potential.

DroughtGard Hybrids are just one part of a larger system aimed to manage risk by mitigating yield loss caused by drought. The combination of germplasm, trait packages and agronomic practices leads to deeper, stronger roots to gather more nutrients from soil, allowing it to thrive better in drought conditions.

The Science Behind the Drought Trait

Monsanto has been researching the complexity of plant drought tolerance for years. The new drought gene is a result of the years of testing and application of leading technology. Here are four key points to remember about the science behind DroughtGard Hybrids:

The trait equips corn to be able to handle drought stress more efficiently by targeting a specific survival mechanism within the corn plant to improve moisture utilization.

The gene, cspB, acts as an RNA chaperone that allows the plants to adapt to stress.

The gene helps the plant react more quickly to drought, slow down its growth and conserve water.

Sap flow collars and soil capacitance probes show that water is banked with DroughtGard Hybrids. Moisture remains in the ground, and is “banked” for future growth needs.

The Dual Advancement Process

One of the key aspects of DroughtGard Hybrids is the Dual Advancement Process. This process allows Monsanto to determine which products work best with the drought trait, and demonstrates Monsanto’s commitment to top-end yield potential in all commercially available products. Key points to remember:

Monsanto has a specific system to determine which products will make it to on-farm trials, then into the market. It’s a two-track system, called the Dual Advancement Process, which evaluates both genetics and traits.

The first step in the Dual Advancement Process is to select top-yielding products. Previous research had focused on drought tolerance first, but by switching the criteria, we are able to bring customers top-end yield potential during normal years and improved risk reduction during drought years.

All DroughtGard Hybrids go through a rigorous testing system that evaluates performance under both drought and non-drought conditions.

Certain statements contained in this presentation are "forward-looking statements," such as statements concerning the company's anticipated financial results, current and future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the company's actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: continued competition in seeds, traits and agricultural chemicals; the company's exposure to various contingencies, including those related to intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received, and public acceptance of biotechnology products; the success of the company's research and development activities; the outcomes of major lawsuits and the previously-announced SEC investigation; developments related to foreign currencies and economies; successful operation of recent acquisitions; fluctuations in commodity prices; compliance with regulations affecting our manufacturing; the accuracy of the company's estimates related to distribution inventory levels; the recent increases in and expected higher levels of indebtedness; the company's ability to obtain payment for the products that it sells; the effect of weather conditions, natural disasters and accidents on the agriculture business or the company's facilities; and other risks and factors detailed in the company's most recent periodic report to the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this presentation. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not an offer to sell Roundup Xtend™, XtendiMax™, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™, SmartStax® PRO These products are not yet registered or approved for sale or use anywhere in the United States.

Commercialization is dependent on multiple factors, including successful conclusion of the regulatory process. The information presented herein is provided for educational purposes only, and is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell, or a recommendation to use, any unregistered pesticide for any purpose whatsoever. It is a violation of federal law to promote or offer to sell an unregistered pesticide.

Vistive® Gold soybeans have received full approval for planting in the United States but have not yet received import approval in all key export markets. For 2015, Vistive® Gold soybeans will be available as part of a stewarded introduction only to growers who have signed a 2015 Vistive Gold Soybean Grain Production Grower Agreement and agree to follow the stewardship requirements.

Do not export Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa seed or crop, including hay or hay products, to China pending import approval. In addition, due to the unique cropping practices do not plant Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa in Imperial County, California, pending import approvals and until Monsanto grants express permission for such planting.

As of October 1, 2014, Bollgard II® XtendFlex™ cotton has been approved for import in Australia, Mexico and Canada. Growers should refer to http://www.biotradestatus.com/ for any updated information on import country approvals.

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Only commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product.

B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state.

SmartStax® multi-event technology developed by Monsanto Company and Dow AgroSciences.

IMPORTANT IRM INFORMATION: Genuity® RIB Complete® corn blend products do not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. See the IRM/Grower Guide for additional information. Always read and follow IRM requirements.

For more information regarding the intellectual property protection for the seed products identified in this publication, please see www.asgrowanddekalb.com.

Insect control technology provided by Vip3A is utilized under license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG.

Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.